A good resume is not just a list of your jobs and skills. It is the way you put them across to a recruiter or hiring manager, and the words you choose make a real difference. Some words and phrases have been used so much that they have lost their meaning, and a few can even work against you. Think of “responsible for,” “duties included,” or “worked with.” That kind of language is passive, and it hides the part that matters: what you actually achieved. Employers want to see your impact, not just a list of tasks you were handed.
Cutting the weak words is half the job. The other half is putting something worth reading in their place, which is what highlighting your achievements for a New Zealand employer is about.
Here are the words I suggest leaving out, and why
1. “Unemployed”
Your employment status does not define what you can do. Rather than drawing attention to time out of work, show what you did with that time that helps your case, like volunteering, freelancing, or study.
2. “Hardworking”
This one is vague, and it is in the eye of the beholder. Every employer expects you to work hard. So instead of saying it, show it: put numbers to your achievements and point to the results your work brought your past employers.
3. “Objective”
The old resume objective statement has had its day. It often adds nothing and eats up space you cannot spare. Swap it for a “Professional Summary” or “Profile” that gives a quick picture of the skills and experience that fit the job.
4. “Synergy”
Business buzzwords like “synergy” read as filler and can date your resume. Use plain words that say how you worked with others or what you brought to a team project.
5. “Go-getter”
It is meant to show drive, but it comes across as a cliche and can sound full of yourself. Show your drive instead by describing the extra responsibilities you took on or the projects you chased down that helped your company.
6. “Think outside the box”
This phrase has been used so much it means nothing now. If you want to show you are creative, give an example: a clever solution you came up with or a project you got off the ground.
7. “Dynamic”
Everyone wants to seem lively and quick to adapt, but “dynamic” is too generic. Instead, describe a time you adapted well to a change or drove an improvement.
8. “Expert”
Go easy with this word. Unless you really are a recognised authority, it sets a bar you may struggle to meet. It usually lands better to show your expertise through certifications, results, and the specific skills you have.
9. “Responsible for”
This is a missed chance to show your impact. Replace it with action verbs that put you in the driving seat, like “managed,” “led,” “developed,” or “delivered.”
10. “Experience working in”
Rather than this passive phrase, describe what you achieved in active terms. Use bullet points to lay out your wins and the skills you picked up.
11. “Salary Negotiable”
This goes without saying and does not belong on a resume. Pay comes up later, once you are moving through the interview stage.
12. “References Available Upon Request”
Another line you can drop. Employers take it for granted that you will give references when they ask.
13. “Successful”
Rather than telling people you are successful, let your achievements do the talking. Give real examples, with numbers and facts behind them.
So the heart of a strong resume is choosing your words with care. Cutting the overused, vague terms makes a real difference. Skip the cliches and give clear, specific examples of what you achieved and what you can do. Swap passive language for active verbs that show your part in past roles. Do that, and your resume tells a story about your experience and what you are worth to an employer. It is your own marketing tool, so let it show your strengths and set you apart. Steer clear of these common no-nos and your resume will stand out for the right reasons.
If you are job hunting in a new country and would like a second pair of eyes on your resume, that is something I am glad to help with. Get in touch and tell me about the roles you are going for.
